Hopeful tour: Ghulam Ali to perform in Mumbai

Veteran Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali was scheduled to perform in Mumbai in February this year. However, following tension along the Line of Control, the concert was called off at the last moment after a local political party allegedly issued threats to the organisers.

Now, amid hope of better relations with our neighbour post Nawaz Sharif taking over as President of Pakistan, another Ghulam Ali concert is on the cards. The event is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on May 31, at Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion, from 7 pm onwards.

According to the organisers, part of the proceeds from the two-hour show (an ongoing series of Ghulam Ali concerts called Ek Ehsaas) will benefit drought-affected villages of Maharashtra. They are currently in talks with representatives of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for disbursement of the same. The organisers hope to sell Rs 2,000 tickets priced at Rs1,500, Rs1,000 and Rs500; they say that R100 from every ticket sold will go towards drought relief.

“I don’t know what charity is. I just know a little bit of singing, and I use that to help people. Whatever I needed in life, I got through my work. Now I use the same work for society. It makes me feel happy. So, I will continue helping till I can,” says Ali. The ghazal maestro’s last performance in Mumbai was almost a year ago, which was to generate funds for a cancer-affected child. He has, however, recently performed in Pune for the benefit of street children.

With his last city concert having been called off, we wonder what measures are being taken this time around. Randhir Ranjan Roy, business head, Panache Media (organisers), says, “We have taken all the necessary permissions for the performance and will be speaking to the authorities for adequate security.”

For further information, call 97737 55426 or visit ekehsaasconcerts.com